Telomere Shortening and Psychological Stress

Chronic stress from psychological trauma has been seen to result in numerous physiological ailments.  Recent studies now show evidence of cellular aging as a result of this psychological stress in the telomere components of DNA. Telomeres serve a crucial role in cell aging by monitoring the cellular response to stress and DNA damage.  They do so by “capping” the end of chromosomes to protect from further degradation which leads to what we classify as aging (1). Chromosomal damage is an underlying cause of aging and many diseases due to the ends of these chromosomes being left vulnerable to “unraveling” and “fraying” that ultimately can lead to such illness if damage becomes too severe (1).  Abnormal and shortened telomeres give product to the genetic mutations we see in these illnesses like cancer and other deadly diseases, so finding the cause, and hopefully prevention, for this telomeric shortening is a crucial point of research.

One study observed telomere length in blood cells from women who had a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) and compared it to that of women who reported no such traumatic history.   It was seen that women who had suffered this psychological trauma from IPV had significantly shorter mean telomere lengths than women who had not experienced this psychological stressor (2).  There were many variables that could be used as predictors of shortened telomere length such as; age, if they serve as a caregiver or mother, and the duration of time the subject was in the abusive relationship (2).  The last one shows implications of how chronic stress can be significantly more physically damaging than that of acute stress.  It was even noted that the type or even severity of the IPV was not as critical in predicting shortening of telomeres as was the length of abusive relationship.  Also, the factor of being a mother or caregiver also introduces socioeconomic and psychological stressors that are identified as substantial predictors in this telomere shortening.  Results lead to conclusions that IPV, as well as other psychological induced trauma leads to a greater morbidity and illness among these people (2). 

Studies such as these show the serious attention that is needed for patients who have or are currently experiencing psychological stress.  As noted before; telomere shortening as a result of stress has a severe impact on cellular damage that could lead to a multitude of diseases and aging.  By being aware of the consequences that mental health has on our physiological well beings we can begin to better understand these illnesses and improve treatment, as well.

References:

1.      Geraldine Aubert and Peter M. Lansdorp. Telomeres and Aging. Physiological Reviews. April 2008; 88:557-579.  doi:10.1152/physrev.00026.2007.

2.      Humphreys J, Epel E, Cooper B, Lin J, Blackburn E, Lee K. Telomere Shortening in Formerly Abused and Never Abused Women. Biological Research for Nursing [serial online]. April 2012; 14(2):115-123. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed December 1, 2013.